Snow Spotters
Snow still gets measured the old-fashioned way--with a ruler. Actually, when there's a snowfall where you live, if you want to email us your snow measurement, try to find a level area which doesn't appear to have been affected by drifting snow. We recommend you take 3 measurements in that area and calculate an average depth.
Although 4Warn Doppler Radar has an exclusive tool called Snow Vision, which estimates ground snow depth by precipitation intensity and atmospheric (and surface) temperatures, we still need "ground truth" supplied by hand measurements. In fact, we frequently pass on your numbers to our colleagues at the National Weather Service Buffalo Forecast Office.
So, yep. Even with 4Warn Doppler's Snow Vision, we still need your help. Thanks!
Although 4Warn Doppler Radar has an exclusive tool called Snow Vision, which estimates ground snow depth by precipitation intensity and atmospheric (and surface) temperatures, we still need "ground truth" supplied by hand measurements. In fact, we frequently pass on your numbers to our colleagues at the National Weather Service Buffalo Forecast Office.
So, yep. Even with 4Warn Doppler's Snow Vision, we still need your help. Thanks!
posted by Don Paul at
1:08 PM
12 Comments:
I'll be happy to supply observations when I can. Would it be best about an hour prior to the news times? What other information would help you in addition to snow depth?
Butch of Onoville
Depth is fine, Butch. But if you happen to know in what span of time the snow fell to that measurement, that's helpful too. Thanks!
You have people post in the blog or via email only?
No, you can post your comment right here on the Blog.
Hey Don, I am a snow spotter for the NWS, have been for over 10 years and I would also be happy to continue sending reports to you.
Paula
I had no idea that snow was still measuered with a ruler. I can provide measurements from West Seneca and the down town area og Buffalo.
strbk and jason; thanks very much for your offer to help.
You can register to be an official snow spotter with the Buffalo National Weather Service. I believe they are in dire need of spotters from Genesee county in particular...at least that was the case last season. But hey, the more the merrier...no matter what county you're from. The weather service sends us the numbers when they're crunched. It's a lot of fun...don't you just love a huge snowfall??? That's what we weather junkies live for! :-) Here's the URL to officially sign up with the weather service...you can cut and paste it on to your browser...
http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/spotter_form.htm
Sounds really cool, I'll do it! I always try to after a snowstorm anyway so I'll send in observations. It would be awesome to actually see them on Channel 4, you guys have got the best station for weather hands down! I live up in Wheatfield, so whenever we get snow (Thanksgiving?), you'll see an observation from me. Oh, and the reason I have to go anonymous is because I have Parental Controls and it prohibits me to get a screen name, really stupid, but I'll still try best I can to get a name.
Terrific, Wheatfield! Welcome to the spotters network. You'll be sure to enjoy being a snow spotter. Perhaps if you explain to your parents that you're performing scientific community service, they may consider a screen name for you! Thanks for your enthusiasm!
Looks like down here in Ski country there will be plenty of snow to measure by dawn. Come on down folks and ski on the Martin Luther King Holiday or Sunday after Church. It's cold so put on you warmest hat and boots. Chautauqua Institution always has its webcam on Bestor Plaza don't forget folks!
It is now 7:39 AM and I measured the snow in many places. It almost always was right at 8 inches. The temp here is 6F. The wind is gusting and it is bitter. Route 33 is not too bad for driving. I am reporting from Stedman just off exit 7 of the Southern Tier Expressway. This is about 4 miles South of Chautauqua Instituion. I have some photos I took at the same time a I measured.
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